My Diet Coke was served in a flower vase, the restaurant owner performed a magic trick, and an Egyptian headdress was available to wear while dining. Welcome to King Tut Grill in Knoxville, Tenn., offering a quirky, yet delicious dining experience in South Knoxville.

Huge Greek Salad at King Tut’s Grill, Knoxville, Tenn.

Moe is the restaurant’s owner and although my colleague and I were given menus, Moe decided we would have the Greek salad and Egyptian sampler, popular menu selections. My mouth dropped when he delivered our beverages full of ice in what looked like bladder-busting flower vases. No need for refills in these oversize glasses! The Greek salad was in proportion to the beverages – huge and tasty and more than enough for two people to share.

Wearing a Headdress and Drinking Out Vases at King Tut’s Grill, Knoxville, Tenn.

The Egyptian sampler was an assortment of Mediterranean bites fit for vegetarians. I’m a carnivore and fully enjoyed the sampling which included humus, a tomato salad, grape leaves wrapping something, a spaghetti-type dish and other delightful flavors new to my palate.

Moe, Owner of King Tut’s Grill, Knoxville, Tenn.

King Tut Grill’s interior is a bit trippy with an assortment of stuff everywhere. I visited in June yet saw a Santa Claus sitting on a shelf. A hula-hoop hung from what looked like a pair of animal legs mounted on a wall while deer head is mounted on the back wall. Stickers and signs are plastered on the walls making it easy to pass the time.

Next to us was a local dining group who enjoyed the bottled wine they brought and took turns wearing the Egyptian headdress. We later learned this was the group’s second visit because of the quality, value and entertainment value. Between taking orders and delivering entrees, Moe performed a simple magic trick earning cheers from diners. In addition to his magical abilities, I heard he plays a mean game of chess.

Hit the ATM before visiting King Tut Grill because it’s a cash-only eatery.

King Tut Grill
4132 Martin Mill Pike
Knoxville, Tenn.
Tel: (865) 573-6021www.kingtutsgrill.com
The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner but hours are fluid. King Tut Grill is open daily and serves breakfast when they decided to arrive, lunch begins at 11 a.m. and dinner begins at 5 p.m. “till the party’s over.”

Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., a hiking trail led Jennifer Huber, aka: Solo Travel Girl, to a career path in tourism. She has worked in the tourism industry for more than 20 years including 10 years with a park management company in Yellowstone, Death Valley and Everglades National Park. She currently lives in Southwest Florida, and maintains this travel blog with the goal of inspiring others to travel alone, not lonely.

1 Comment

King Tut Grill is the type of place that everyone should experience at least once. It’s difficult to imagine a more unique place or a more unique owner. I hope you enjoyed visiting Knoxville! It’s a great town.